Dear Diary,
After school today, Maya and I had a meeting with Mrs. De Wit about the peer support group. I was nervous walking into her office, but Maya grabbed my hand and squeezed it. "We got this," she whispered. Mrs. De Wit's face lit up when we came in. "I'm so glad you both want to do this," she said. "Tell me what you're thinking."
Maya and I had talked about it all week. We want to create a buddy system—not just for trauma, but for anyone who's struggling. New students who just transferred, kids dealing with anxiety, people who feel alone. Anyone who needs someone to understand. "We'd match them with buddies based on interests," Maya explained. "Nothing forced, just... being available. Being there." Mrs. De Wit listened carefully, nodding. "This is really thoughtful," she said. "Very mature. Let me talk to Principal Harrison and see what we can do."
When we left her office, Maya high-fived me in the hallway. For the first time in months, I feel proud instead of ashamed. Like maybe I can turn something terrible into something good.
At lunch, we told Sophie and Lily about our idea. They both immediately wanted to help. "I transferred here in eighth grade," Sophie said. "I remember how lonely it was. I'd love to be a buddy." Lily nodded. "Count me in too." Just like that, our little group of two became four.
In English class, Mr. Thompson noticed I was in a better mood. "You seem lighter these days," he said after class. "It's nice to see." "I'm getting there," I said. And I meant it.
Something else happened today too. Jake—the guy who's been trying to talk to me since I walked in here—came up to my locker after last period. Usually I make an excuse and leave, but today I didn't.
"Hey," he said. "Did you understand the math homework? I'm completely lost." We talked about quadratic equations for five minutes. Just normal conversation. No panic, no racing heart, no need to escape. It felt... normal.
When I got home, I told my parents about the buddy system over dinner. Dad smiled and said, "That's my girl. Turning something hard into something good." Even my little sister wanted to help, which was sweet even though she's only ten and can't actually be a buddy.
Tonight, for the first time in months, I fell asleep before midnight. No racing thoughts, no replaying that day over and over. Just sleep.
Maybe this is what healing feels like.
- G